July is Adult Abuse Prevention Month

Release Date: 
Jul 10 2017
DSHS Office of Communications
Chris Wright
chris.wright@dshs.wa.gov
(360) 902-8338

July is Adult Abuse Prevention Month

OLYMPIA, WA - The Department of Social and Health Services - DSHS) continues to see a sharp increase in the number of cases of adult abuse reported statewide. Adult Abuse Prevention Month is intended to raise awareness and remind everyone to remain vigilant when it comes to the health and welfare of some of Washington’s most vulnerable citizens.

The amount of reports made to Adult Protective Services - APS has nearly tripled in Washington since 2008. More than 42,000 cases of alleged abuse were reported in 2016 compared to more than 14,000 in 2008. For every case of abuse investigated, many others go unreported. Adult Protective Services, which investigates cases of abuse in homes and facilities, believes the increase is the result of improved awareness of adult abuse among the public coupled with an aging Baby Boomer population.

reports to APS

Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult is encouraged to call 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276). Someone will answer your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also make a report online.

In Washington, the most common form of adult abuse is financial exploitation. Other forms of abuse can include:

  • Physical     
  • Sexual abuse
  • Psychological/Emotional (Mental abuse)
  • Neglect
  • Abandonment
  • Self-neglect
  • Improper restraint

Signs of abuse include:

  • Suspicious bruises, sores or weight loss
  • A sudden change in personality
  • Neglect of hygiene, clothing, home, medicine or food
  • Personal belongings are missing
  • Verbal aggression                                                                                                                                     

If suspected abuse is reported, an Adult Protective Services investigator will make an unannounced visit to the home or facility. The investigator will interview the alleged victim in private and contact law enforcement if necessary.

The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration is nationally recognized as a leader for serving seniors and people with disabilities in their own homes or in community or residential settings. ALTSA investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation and poor care in people’s homes and in the community facilities and programs it licenses and certifies. The Administration also supports Washingtonians who are deaf and hard of hearing. The team of more than 2,000 serves 77,000 people on a budget of $2.1 billion per year. 

 

 

DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran’s status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.